India Welcomes Back Kishan and Patel in Final T20I Against New Zealand as World Cup Preparations Continue

India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 took center stage in the final T20I against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Having already clinched the series, the Men in Blue used this match to experiment with their lineup and strategies.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bat first, a tactical decision designed to challenge India’s bowlers later in the evening when dew could impact grip and control. The team welcomed back Ishan Kishan, who missed the fourth T20I due to a niggle, and Axar Patel, returning from injury. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy also rejoined the XI, replacing Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi.

This fixture not only offered India a chance to test combinations but also gave returning players valuable match practice ahead of the global tournament.

Key Highlights

• Squad Changes: Kishan, Patel, and Chakravarthy returned; Rana, Kuldeep, and Bishnoi rested.
• Captain’s Strategy: Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first to simulate World Cup conditions.
• Focus Areas: Testing bowlers under dew, strengthening middle-order depth, and refining spin options.
• World Cup Context: Final competitive outing before India’s campaign begins in February.

Sources: India Today, ESPNcricinfo, Firstpost